coach and truck

Test Type and Certification

CPC tests in the following categories are designed to examine the standards of safety and driving among drivers of buses and trucks.

C	Trucks (or other vehicles) having a design gross weight exceeding 3,500kg. and having passenger accommodation for 8 (or fewer) persons. (Work vehicles and land tractors are not included)
C1	Trucks (or other vehicles) in C having a design gross weight not exceeding 7,500kg
C	C, C1, EC, EC1

It is an EU requirement from 10 September 2009, that all new drivers of vehicle class C1, EC1, C and EC and from the 10 September 2008 that all new drivers of vehicle class D1, ED1, D and ED (buses) will complete and pass the CPC exam, to gain their required category license.

To proceed with Driver CPC qualification all candidates must hold a CATEGORY D /CATEGORY C (must be relevant to the category of test you are taking) Learner Permit or a full current CAT D/CAT C (must be relevant to the category of test you are taking) full driving licence.

The Drivers’ CPC card is valid for 5 years after which it must be renewed.

The initial qualification will consist of two exams:

CPC Multiple Choice Questions which is a 2 hour theoretical test covering all the subjects in the Driver CPC syllabus (available from the RSA) consisting of multiple choice and/or direct questions.

and one of the following:

CPC Bus - Case Studies which is a 2 hour and 15 minute exam, consisting of 3 Test Scenarios on specific to category D.
CPC Truck - Case Studies which is a 2 hour and 15 minute exam, consisting of 3 Test Scenarios on specific to category C.

You must pass both of the above CPC theory tests before you can apply for your CPC Bus Driving Test.

You may take these tests in any order.